Bulwark Takes: Elon and Stephen Miller Are Combining Forces?!

Release Date: February 28, 2025
Host: Tim Miller, The Bulwark
Guest: Jake Lahat, Wired

Introduction to the Story

In the February 28, 2025 episode of Bulwark Takes, host Tim Miller delves into a groundbreaking story recently published by Wired. The narrative centers around a strategic alliance between Elon Musk and the influential Trump-aligned power couple, Stephen and Katie Miller. This collaboration is reportedly reshaping the dynamics between the tech mogul and Republican Washington, raising eyebrows across political and business spheres.

Elon Musk’s Integration with Republican Power

Tim Miller opens the discussion by highlighting the alarming headline from Wired: "Elon Musk takeover is being aided by a Trump world power couple. It's Stephen and Katie Miller." Stephen Miller, known for his staunch conservative ideologies and previous role as a senior advisor to former President Trump, is now referred to as the "Prime Minister" in Musk's organizational structure. His wife, Katie Miller, takes on the pivotal role of "dogecoms guru," overseeing communications and acting as a bridge between Musk and Republican entities.

Tim Miller [00:00]:

"Prime Minister Stephen Miller is not exactly, you know, bringing a lot of calm."

Jake Lahat [00:36]:

"Katie Miller actually was detailed to do comms for Elon prior to the transition... she’s channeling requests, traffic issues back to Musk when necessary."

This strategic positioning suggests a deliberate effort to stabilize Musk's ventures within the often tumultuous landscape of Republican politics.

Roles and Responsibilities of Stephen and Katie Miller

Jake Lahat provides an in-depth look into the operational dynamics between the Millers and Musk. Katie Miller's role extends beyond mere communications; she is actively involved in managing the flow of information and handling sensitive conversations, including delivering unfavorable news to Musk.

Jake Lahat [00:36]:

"She is relaying the Doge message of the day and to the extent they can provide accurate updates on what they're doing... she’s also channeling requests, traffic issues back to Musk when necessary."

Stephen Miller, with his extensive knowledge of the federal apparatus, complements Musk’s business acumen, ensuring that Musk's initiatives align with governmental structures and expectations. This symbiotic relationship positions the Millers as essential gatekeepers and facilitators within Musk's expanding empire.

Elon Musk’s Understanding of Government Operations

A critical point of discussion revolves around Elon Musk's purported lack of understanding of government mechanics, which has been a source of concern among his Republican allies. Tim Miller mentions unverified information suggesting that Musk was unaware of the bicameral structure of the U.S. Congress until recently, raising questions about his capability to navigate governmental processes effectively.

Tim Miller [03:01]:

"Elon doesn't know his ass from his elbow about the government."

Jake Lahat [05:16]:

"Stephen and Katie Miller have a better knowledge of the federal apparatus than Elon."

The Millers’ expertise is thus positioned as a necessary counterbalance to Musk’s entrepreneurial zeal, ensuring that his ventures do not flounder due to bureaucratic misunderstandings.

Transparency and Communication Strategies

The episode touches upon concerns related to transparency, particularly in how Musk's organizations handle internal communications. References are made to Katie Miller's interactions on social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), where she addressed rumors about Doge employees transitioning away from using Slack to move under the Executive Office of the President for greater flexibility.

Tim Miller [06:22]:

"If Katie Miller is not a full-time government employee... she is not covered under certain transparency laws."

This maneuver is perceived as an attempt to circumvent Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, raising suspicions about the transparency and accountability of Musk’s operations.

Influence of the Trump World and Public Perception

The alliance between Musk and the Millers is further complicated by the overarching influence of the Trump administration. Despite Musk’s differing public persona and communication style, his alignment with Trump-aligned advisors like the Millers indicates a deeper intertwining of interests aimed at managing public perception and political fallout.

Jake Lahat [09:36]:

"There's a consensus building... that Elon's skin is a little too thin. He may be either enjoying or paying so much attention to his on-camera appearances."

Moreover, Trump's influence ensures that Musk remains a focal point, with his actions and public image being meticulously managed to align with the broader objectives of the Trump-aligned faction within Republican Washington.

Vulnerabilities and Future Implications

The episode concludes by addressing potential vulnerabilities within this alliance. Musk's sensitivity to public perception and his differing communication style compared to traditional Trump advisors could pose challenges in maintaining a cohesive strategy. Additionally, the centralized control by Stephen and Katie Miller may face internal and external pressures as Musk's ventures continue to expand.

Jake Lahat [11:15]:

"Stephen Miller is not super dynamic on TV... he's a certain kind of charisma."

This dynamic suggests that while the Millers bring expertise and stability, the inherent differences in leadership and communication could lead to strategic tensions down the line.

Notable Quotes

• Tim Miller [00:00]:
  "Prime Minister Stephen Miller is not exactly, you know, bringing a lot of calm."

• Jake Lahat [00:36]:
  "Katie Miller actually was detailed to do comms for Elon prior to the transition."

• Tim Miller [03:01]:
  "Elon doesn't know his ass from his elbow about the government."

• Jake Lahat [05:16]:
  "Stephen and Katie Miller have a better knowledge of the federal apparatus than Elon."

• Jake Lahat [09:36]:
  "There's a consensus building... that Elon's skin is a little too thin."

Conclusions and Outlook

The alliance between Elon Musk and the Millers signifies a strategic merger of technological ambition with seasoned political maneuvering. While this partnership aims to streamline Musk’s interactions with Republican Washington, it also introduces new layers of complexity and potential friction. As the story unfolds, Bulwark Takes will continue to monitor and analyze the implications of this powerful collaboration, offering listeners comprehensive insights into the evolving landscape of tech and politics.

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